This and That: Things To Do in NYC in June 2024 (Plus: Free Events!)
June is NYC at its best. Pride month festivities are buoyed by phenomenal weather and long days. The streets stay alive late into the night. With that, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out for a good cause or a good time. Here are a few events in NYC worth your time in June 2024.
FREE EVENT: NewFest Presents an Outdoor Screening of HBO’s Gaga Chromatica Ball
Gaga Chromatica Ball. Image: HBO.
What is it: As a part of NewFest’s Pride programming, NYC’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film & media is hosting an exclusive outdoor screening of HBO’s documentary, Gaga Chromatica Ball. The screening celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and the iconic performer, actor, and singer.
Why go: Gaga fans and LGBTQ+ supporters can enjoy a special cinematic experience under the stars, celebrating inclusivity and artistic expression. It's a must-attend for pop culture enthusiasts and Little Monsters. The event combines film and community celebration in a vibrant outdoor setting.
What's involved: An outdoor film screening with a runtime of approximately 115 minutes.
Monday, June 3, 2024 from 8:00pm at The Gansevoort Plaza at Meatpacking District. Information and free RSVP here. Seats are first come, first served.
New York City Tourism Foundation’s Summer Soirée
Pearl Alley. Image: The Seaport
What is it: Now in its second year, The Summer Soirée is a festive kickoff to the summer season, hosted by the New York City Tourism Foundation, a nonprofit supporting NYC's arts and culture. This event raises funds to sustain local nonprofits and celebrate the vibrant arts community for residents and visitors alike. This year, the event will celebrate the impact of Fred Dixon's tenure at NYC Tourism.
Why go: Attend to enjoy a lively evening of celebration, support NYC's diverse arts sector, and mingle with fellow arts enthusiasts in the dramatic setting of the city’s Seaport (among the oldest parts of the city). Along with benefiting the Foundation’s influential Cultural Grant Program (which provides financial support to local nonprofit arts organizations across the city's five boroughs), the event is serving as a pre-celebration for the foundation's 25th anniversary gala, taking place in December.
What's involved: Entertainment, food, and drinks.
Dress code: “Breezy business casual”
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Pearl Alley at Pier 17. Information and tickets here.
Design: New York Viewing and Auction at Phillips
Ear Sofa; Nose Sconces with Flowers (In Stage Setting). Work by John Baldessari. Image: Sprüth Magers.
What is it: A premier design auction showcasing contemporary and modern furniture, lighting, and art objects, with public viewings available prior to the sale. Phillips stands apart with its focus on modern and contemporary works, allowing for precise curation. This design sale features two distinct collections with work by Giacometti (direct from Diane Shapiro’s collection), Bertoia, and works by several contemporary artists, including Studio Nucleo’s amberlike encasement of a Thonet dining chair and Giancarlo Valle’s organically-infused geometries in the form of armchairs and ottomans.
Why go: Design aficionados and collectors will relish the chance to view and bid on unique, high-quality pieces, several of which have never gone to auction. It's an excellent opportunity for anyone passionate about interior design and fine art. Highlights include the uniquely-scaled Peter Voulkos work Rasgeado, a visualization of the Flamenco from 1958, rendered in stoneware but with the apparent texture of wood. The late John Baldessari’s Ear Sofa and Nose Sconces (pictured above) are two monumental and whimsical explorations within one of Baldessari’s favorite philosophical questions: “What would it look like large?”
What's involved: Public viewings of iconic and unique design pieces and a live auction.
On view now until Wednesday, June 5th, 2024. The auction is in-person and online on Wednesday June 5th, 2024 from 2pm onward. More information, registration, and digital catalogues here.
TriBeCa Film Festival + DeNiro Con
TriBeCa Film Festival. Image: Tribeca Film Festival/Phil Yoon.
What is it: A renowned film festival showcasing a diverse array of independent films, documentaries, and shorts from around the world, the Tribeca Film Festival has premiered many notable films including "In the Heights" (2021), a vibrant musical drama, and "The Apollo" (2019), a documentary on Harlem's iconic theater, "The First Monday in May" (2016), "City Island" (2009), "Keep the Lights On" (2012), and "Mistress America" (2015). The festival runs nearly all of June, so its not hard to catch a glimpse of it if you’re in or around the TriBeCa neighborhood of Manhattan.
Why go: Film buffs and industry professionals will appreciate the opportunity to see groundbreaking films and participate in panels and workshops. The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 and quickly became a prominent platform for independent cinema, showcasing diverse films, documentaries, and shorts.
Unique for 2024 is DeNiro Con, a celebration of legendary actor Robert DeNiro featuring a career-spanning exhibit along with daily film screenings and panel discussions. Quentin Tarantino, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Walken and more have confirmed their participation in the celebrations.
What's involved: Film screenings, talks, workshops, networking events, and celebrity appearances.
From Wednesday, June 5th until Sunday, June 16th, 2024. Information, passes, and tickets here.
Chashama Gala 2024
A performer at a recent Chashama Gala. Image: Hideki Aono.
What is it: Touted as “outrageous” and “unbelievable” and for good reason, we’ve been longtime attendees of this exciting arts benefit which showcases live performances, art installations, and immersive experiences from the underground and rising stars of NYC’s creative community. The proceeds from this important event allow Chashama to grant $13 million worth of space for over 200 free art classes in under-resourced communities, the funding for 180 workspaces for artists and performers, over 150 theatre, dance, music, and visual arts events, and support over 75 minority and women entrepreneurs. Founded in 1995, Chashama provides affordable work and presentation space for artists, fosters community engagement through art events, and advocates for the importance of the arts in urban revitalization efforts.
Why go: Don’t let the word “gala” fool you, this no typical dinner that’s over by 11pm. It’s hard to articulate how over-the-top and astounding the Chashama Gala really is, with a venue packed wall to wall with groundbreaking art, interactive exhibitions, fascinating personalities, performance art happenings, a hopping dance floor, plus snacks and refreshments by Captain Lawrence Brewing Co., Cooper's, Curious Elixirs and Golden Bay Vodka. Be on the look out for Chashama founder Anita Durst who is known to wear uniquely immersive outfits (including, once, a dress made of lit candles).
What’s involved: 300+ performers and countless installations with artwork, an open bar, and late night snacks.
Dress code: “Daring”.
Thursday, June 20th, 2024 from 9:00pm onward at 205 East 42nd Street. Information and tickets here.
BMW Ultimate Driving Experience: Long Island and NYC
BMW Ultimate Driving Experience: Long Island and NYC. Image: BMW.
What is it: BMW’s immersive driving event returns to the New York City for a limited time, offering test drives of BMW’s latest models along with professional driving instruction and competitive autocross challenges. BMW’s lineup of internal-combustion and electric vehicles has never been more exciting. For longtime fans of the brand and those only being introduced, this is great chance to explore the newest offering from the makers of the Ultimate Driving Machine.
Why go: Car enthusiasts and thrill-seekers can experience the performance and luxury of BMW vehicles firsthand. It's perfect for anyone looking to enjoy an adrenaline-pumping automotive event. The experience combines education, excitement, and the chance to explore the latest in automotive technology.
What's involved: Test drives with professionals, plus a showcase of all-new BMW vehicles.
Friday, June 21st through Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 at Citi Field. Information and reservations here.
FREE EVENT: NYC Pride March and PrideFest
NYC Pride. Image: ABC-7.
What is it: The NYC Pride March began in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Organized by the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee, it has grown into one of the world's largest Pride events, celebrating diversity, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. This year’s grand marshals are LGBTQ+ advocates Robin Drake, Raquel Willis, Eshe Ukweli and Baddie Brooks, MOBI founder and community organizer DaShawn Usher, longtime RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, and Stonewall Uprising survivor Miss Major.
Why go: Attending the NYC Pride March is a vibrant celebration of diversity, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. It offers a unique opportunity to support and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity. The parade features colorful floats, lively performances, and inspiring speeches and an electrifying atmosphere. It's an excellent way to learn about LGBTQ+ history and activism, meet new people, and experience the energy and spirit of New York City.
PrideFest Street Festival
The party doesn’t stop after the March! The free PrideFest street fair combines exhibitors, entertainers, food and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality. PrideFest brings together NYC locals, families, sponsors, community leaders, local business owners, and incredible talent from around the world performing at StageFest. Information here.
What’s involved: Parade/march plus a street fair with refreshments, food, and entertainment.
March: Sunday, June 30th, 2024 from 11:00am onward in NYC (also streaming on ABC-7) Information here.
Other Things Around the World
Globally: Eid Al-Adha will take place from the evening of Saturday, June 15th through Sunday, June 16, 2024. United States: The Dayton Art Institute will host its annual Art Ball on Saturday, June 8th, 2024. The theme for 2024 is “Groove”. United Kingdom: The Royal Meeting at the Ascot Racecourse will return from Tuesday, 18th June 18th through Saturday, June 22nd, 2024. France: The Vogue World Paris show will take place Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 in Paris. Sweden: Midsummer's Eve summer solstice celebrations commence on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024. China: The Dragon Boat Festival will take place Monday, June 10th, 2024. Italy: The G7 Summit will be held in Puglia from Thursday, June 13th through Saturday, June 15th, 2024.
